Tactics (GREEK)

Section 2- Equipment and Tactics

main Greek tactic in warfare

phalanx

what type of infantry is the phalanx

heavy infantry

why is the phalanx infantry type called this

the hoplite soldiers who fought in it equipped with heavy weapons and armour

how much does hoplite armour weigh

35kg

is the phalanx loose or tight formation

tight; soldiers shoulder to shoulder

why was physical closeness important in the phalanx

the hoplites shield would protect both himself and the right flank of the soldier next to him

what did soldiers do to help keep organisation

march in unison

who helped keep the rhythm of the marching

a flautist

what was the main weapon of a hoplite

spear

what did the butt of the hoplite spear help them with

• stuck in ground if there was a cavalry attack

• kept weapon balanced

• also used for bruising if other end broken

what did the wall of spears at the front of the phalanx prevent the enemy from doing

prevented any other infantry division that wasn’t a phalanx from attacking the front of the phalanx as they couldn’t get within range without being stabbed first

what provided protection from projectiles for the hoplites

large shields and heavy armour

was the phalanx an offensive or defensive formation

incredibly defensive

how did the two rows at the back of the phalanx hold their spears

up at a 45 degree angle

why were the soldiers at the back of the formation important

they would step forward when their comrades fell, ensuring the shield formation remained unbroken

what were the key weaknesses of the phalanx

• lacked mobility and maneuverability

• sides and back not well defended

• another phalanx a serious threat

• discipline of their own warriors

why did the phalanx lack mobility and maneuverability

it was a tightly packed formation

why were the sides and back of the phalanx not as well protected

all spears and shields pointing at the front

how did they overcome the lack of protection at the sides and back of the phalanx

the flanks were typically defended by cavalry and minor/light troops

when two phalanx’s met, what was the battle winner decided by

the expertise and experience of hoplites on each side and the number of soldiers in the rear

what would happen if some soldiers were to flee the phalanx

the tight ranks would be broken, as enemies would be able to get past their spears and into close-quarters

what was a key characteristic of the best phalanxes

those where soldiers maintained absolute discipline and never fled

which Greek state had the best phalanx

Sparta

why was the Spartan phalanx the best phalanx

• boys raised to show absolute discipline

• honour to fight in front line

• society promoted close bonds between comrades

• mystery about who they were and who they attacked

• not allowed to have a profession and so spent more time training

• death glorious and to desert was shameful

what would happen to disobedient boys in the agoge

they would fail and not become citizens

how did the discipline of the Spartan soldiers make the Spartan phalanx the best

• men have complete and total loyalty to the phalanx

• phalanx relies on loyalty as everyone is protecting both themselves and another

• total dedication means the phalanx will never break making it more effective

why does it being an honour to fight on the front line of the phalanx make the Spartan phalanx the best

• no one will desert as they see this as an honour

• only strongest can fight at the front, making the phalanx stronger, better and more effective

• front line most important as it protects those behind and so having this be the strongest line and an honour it stays stronger and therefore protects everyone else behind

how did Spartan society promote close bonds on the battlefield

members of the same syssition would fight side by side and these people were their closest friends and those they spent all of their time with

how did soldiers fighting with their comrades make the Spartan phalanx the best

• soldiers wouldn’t want to desert their friends as they want to keep their friends alive due to their close relationship

• therefore no deserting and keeping the phalanx formation strong

how did the Spartan army create an aura of mystery

they didn’t fight the same enemy too often and didn’t pursue fleeing enemies so that rumours of their skill would spread

why did the Spartans having an aura of mystery mean they’re the best phalanx

• people would underestimate them

• don’t have surprise attacks or threats and therefore always had the upper hand

• people scared of them

what did Spartan society give to all Spartan men

a kleros and helots to work it to provide food for them

why did Spartans having a kleros and helots to work it mean they were the best phalanx

• more time to fight as didn’t need to worry about money or working

• more time training means they are more practiced at techniques and always very strong, making them the best phalanx

how was death glorious in Sparta

if it served a greater purpose, like for the good of the city

where were the bodies of dead spartans buried and where were they buried in other Greek states

buried inside the city close to temples while other states buried them outside the walls

why did Sparta bury their dead here

to honour their sacrifice

why did death being glorious for Spartans mean that they have the best phalanx

• they didn’t fear death but saw it as a good thing, meaning they wouldn’t desert

• would do whatever it took to win even if it resulted in their death

what was a traditional Spartan farewell from their mothers to their warrior sons

“return either with your shield or on it”

what did this traditional farewell mean

taught from a young age to not desert and it was greatly frowned upon; if you did this you couldn’t return and so kept the phalanx strong as no one would desert